The tag line for Wrestlemania 22 is 'Big Time.' But it might be appropriate to change it to 'Hell Freezes Over' with the announcement Bret (The Hitman) Hart is on the way back to WWE.

In a move that threatens to overshadow any match on WWE's annual super show, the company announced Calgary's wrestling legend will be inducted into grappling's Hall of Fame in a lavish ceremony on Wrestlemania weekend.

For Hart, it is a one-time unpaid appearance to cement his legacy and say thank-you to the fans who have supported him over the years.

For WWE bosses, it is a major coup they hope will result in a storyline appearance by Hart or a big money angle on pay-per-view.

For wrestling fans and long-time watchers of the mat game, it is simply proof the old adage is true: You can never say never in the world of pro wrestling.

Hart left WWE in 1997 amidst a storm of controversy. It all surrounded the infamous Montreal screw job, when company boss Vince McMahon cheated the Hitman out of the world title (for real) on live TV.

The end result: Hart punched out McMahon backstage and swore he would never have anything to do with the company again. WWE duly responded by tarnishing the Hitman's name at every opportunity.

This led to years of bitter bickering in the media, which intensified after the death of Hart's younger brother, Owen, in a WWE stunt accident in 1999.

It seemed unlikely the sides would ever mend their fences, until Hart suffered a stroke in 2002.

He seemed to change his priorities and agreed to participate in a limited number of projects with WWE, all related to preserving his legacy, such as a DVD and coffee table book. But until now, the Hitman has refused to appear in person at a WWE event, or in public with McMahon.

Hart will be the star attraction at the Hall of Fame ceremony in Chicago on April 2, which will also see the late Eddie Guerrero inducted in the Class of 2006.